The prototype Kamov Ka-52K Katran, a navalized version of Ka-50/52 Alligator family already in Russian air force service, has made its public debut. It was briefly exposed to visitors attending the Army 2015 expo in Kubinka near Moscow in mid-June. Then it was exhibited at International Maritime Defense Show (IMDS 2015) in St. Petersburg in early July. The Russian defense ministry ordered 32 Ka-52Ks in April 2015, and the prototype flew for the first time on March 7, 2015. Its first application was intended to be on the two Mistral-class amphibious assault vessels ordered from France, delivery of which is currently embargoed.

Speaking to journalists at IMDS 2015, Kamov general designer Sergei Mikheyev said the Ka-52K version has a reworked rotor system with elastomeric bearings in blade-mast attachment points for higher takeoff weights. “This allows for an increase in the overall combat efficiency of the helicopter and extends its tactical capabilities,” Mikheyev added. He also touched on the work being done to enable Arctic operations and to strengthen the stub wings for heavier weapon loads.

Shown alongside the Ka-52K were two air-surface missiles from the Tactical Missiles Corporation (Russian acronym: TRV), a Kh-38MLE and a Kh-35VE. The baseline Kh-38 belongs to the new generation of TRV missiles and differs from the popular Kh-25 that it replaces by being able to fit inside to weapons bays of fifth-generation stealth fighters such as the PAKFA (Sukhoi T-50). The laser-guided missile was formally accepted into Russian air force service in December 2012. TRV has advertised the possibility of fitting the Kh-38, which weighs 520 kg (1,146 pounds), to helicopters. But only the Ka-52K has emerged so far as a suitable type to carry the weapon.

The baseline Kh-35 entered service in 1996 on Indian navy Delhi class destroyers, and later was supplied to the navies of Algeria, Kazakhstan and Vietnam. It also won orders from Myanmar, North Korea and Turkmenistan. The air-launched version entered service in 2005 on Indian navy Ilyushin Il-38SD ASW aircraft outfitted with the Sea Dragon sensor set. Because of the many similarities with the Boeing AGM-84, the Kh-35 was nicknamed “Harpoonski.”

The version for launch from helicopters—the Kh-35V—is a relatively new development, not yet operational. It features an enlarged solid-fuel booster, which increases its gross weight from 480 kg to 610 to 650 kg (approximately 1,400 pounds). The length increases from 3.85 meters to 4.4 meters (14.5 feet).

Development of the Kh-35V was announced in 2009. Later, its design was unified with the Kh-35U/UE—a new, universal missile ordered by the Russian navy—which required an increase in range from 130 km to 260 to 300 km (approximately 150 nm). The Kh-35U features a new turbofan engine that runs on “another fuel” and reworked air inlet and channeling, yet keeps weight and dimensions from the ancestor. The newer version is likely to be referred to as the Kh-35UV/UVE. Instead of the ARGS-35 active radar head, it will have the Gran-K with longer range. It will use satellite navigation technologies and interact with external target designation sources.

The Ka-52K itself carries the Arbalet-52 radar with parabolic antenna and mechanical scanning. But its developer KRET is now offering a more powerful AESA radar with detection ranges increased from 25 to 100 km to over 200 km (more than 100 nm), “so as to provide extended-range targeting capability for the air-launched missiles including the Kh-31 and Kh-35.”

Russia’s naval aviation to receive first Mistral-bound helicopters by 2018

MOSCOW, August 6. /TASS/. The Russian Navy expects to receive the first Kamov Ka-52K (Katran) ship-borne helicopters in 2017-2018, a high-placed source in the Navy’s Main Headquarters told TASS on Thursday.

The helicopters were earlier intended to be based on two Mistral helicopter carriers, which France has refused to deliver to Russia over Moscow's stance on developments in neighboring Ukraine.

"I believe the naval aviation will get these helicopters by 2017-2018. The helicopter component on Russian warships will be quite serious. The number of helicopters has yet to be determined but a final decision has not yet been made. But there is the understanding that they will be received and operated and we’ll see what to do further," the source said.

The Russian Defense Minsitry also plans to purchase Sukhoi Su-30 (NATO reporting name: Flanker-C) fighter jets for naval aviation, the source said, without specifying their numbrer. The source added that there "will be a lot of such aircraft."

The Ka-52K is the deck-based version of the Ka-52 Alligator combat helicopter. Initially, this type of helicopters was developed for Mistral helicopter carriers ordered in France in 2011.

However, France froze the delivery of two Mistral-class amphibious assault ships to Russia in 2014 over Moscow’s stance on developments in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Francois Hollande agreed on Wednesday on terminating the contract on the delivery of two Mistrals to Russia.

Russian Helicopters rotocraft manufacturer and Russia’s Defense Ministry earlier said Ka-52K helicopters would be based on other ships of the Russian Navy instead of Mistrals. Russian Helicopters has also said the company expects deck-based Alligator helicopters to enjoy demand on international arms markets.

"Moscow plans to offer Kamov Ka-52K helicopters to a country interested in purchasing the two Mistral warships which France originally built for the Russian Navy, the Kommersant newspaper reported, citing anonymous sources. he Ka-52K rotorcraft are specifically tailored for the amphibious assault ships. Russia built a total of four machines to serve on the Mistrals before the arms deal was cancelled in August.No nation has formally confirmed its decision to buy the helicopter carriers but many speculate that Brazil, Egypt, India, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates are contemplating adding the amphibious assault ships to their fleet. A source told the daily that Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah al-Sis discussed the Mistrals with Vladimir Putin while on a visit to Moscow last week. "Sisi expressed interest in the possibility of buying the helicopter carriers from the French but it was a purely theoretical interest. … Obviously, they need financial assistance from a third party to purchase the ships," the source added but declined to comment on whether Russia could serve as a creditor. Earlier, reports emerged that Saudi Arabia could buy the two Mistrals which would likely be docked in Egypt. The oil kingdom views the amphibious assault ships as a means to project its own power in the region. They could also become part of the joint Arab force project which was recently unveiled by Riyadh and Cairo."

KRET: Ka-52K deck - part of the interaction between aircraft and the Navy

Helicopter created for amphibious helicopter type "Mistral" can sit on the deck with the aid of radio and navigation aids, the general director of Ramenskoye Design Company Daniel Brenerman.

Ramenskoye (Moscow Region), November 17 - RIA Novosti. The latest Russian carrier-based helicopter Ka-52K, was created for amphibious helicopter type "Mistral" is actually included in the network-centric system of interaction between aircraft and the Navy, told reporters on Tuesday the general director develop a set of on-board avionics Ka-52K Ramenskoye Design Company (RDC, is a concern KRET Rostec) Daniel Brenerman.

"The helicopter is included in the network-centric system of interaction between the air force and navy," - said Brenerman.

He also said that the helicopter had the opportunity to sit on the deck with the aid of radio and navigational aids.

CBSI - one of the world leaders and the leading Russian developer of integrated avionics systems, systems and equipment for modernized and advanced aircraft, helicopters and drones.

Russia's largest holding company in the electronic industry "Concern Radio-electronic technology" (KRET) formed in 2009. Main activities: development and production of complex systems and avionics for civil and military aircraft, radar airborne, the state identification, electronic warfare systems, instrumentation for various applications, electrical connectors, connectors and cable assemblies.

The range is incredible and absolutely puts the Longbow to shame when it comes to range. Most sources cite the range of the Longbow at only 8 km. I've only come across two sources that cite the range of the Longbow at 50 km.

July 20/16: Russia’s latest KA-52K Katran external link helicopters are to be tested in the field external link during upcoming military action in Syria. The helicopters will be on board the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov and will join the Syrian campaign from October 2016 to January 2017. Reasoning behind the deployment, according to Viktor Murakhovsky of Arsenal Otechestva magazine, is that it “is a test of the operational and technical capacity and ability of our air carrier strike group, since previously Russia has never used air carriers in real combat conditions.”

Russian naval combat helicopters Ka-52K on carrier Kuznetsov will use (test) in Syria new guided missiles Hermes which have a range up to 30 km. RuAF already wanted to use Hermes missiles on Ka-52 helicopters in Hmeymim before, but have troubles with transportation of missiles to Syria. Hermes have laser and IR guidance and have weight of 90 kg.

Well the laser homing models should not be a problem, but IR guided versions might be the reason for the delay.

BTW 30km range with a 30kg warhead and 90kgs in total weight... these are not just ATGMs.

In many ways these are replacements for Kh-25L missiles... the new Russian Mavericks.

I wonder why they have taken so long... they are basically SA-22s/SA-19 Grison type missiles with terminal guidance... a solid rocket booster that accelerates the missile to a high flight speed with a slim forward missile part that flys to the target with low drag and possibly a small sustainer rocket motor and in this case terminal guidance.

A laser homer version should be quite straight forward, so perhaps the IR model is an imaging IR version... perhaps there is a datalink autopilot to get the missile within range of the target before the terminal guidance takes over... that would require lock on after launch capability for the IR guidance model and with the laser homing model an autopilot to get the missile close to the target before it starts looking for targets.

An IR guided model that is fire and forget and able to find its own targets would be interesting... a ground vehicle with 40 tubes of these weapons could operate with a Pantsir air defence battery and stealth targets could be optically tracked and marked with a laser to shoot down with HERMES, or IIR missiles used to deal with a swarm attack.

_________________“The West won the world not by the superiority of its ideas or values or religion […] but rather by its superiority in applying organized violence. Westerners often forget this fact; non-Westerners never do.”

― Samuel P. Huntington, The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order

GarryB wrote:Well the laser homing models should not be a problem, but IR guided versions might be the reason for the delay.

BTW 30km range with a 30kg warhead and 90kgs in total weight... these are not just ATGMs.

In many ways these are replacements for Kh-25L missiles... the new Russian Mavericks.

I wonder why they have taken so long... they are basically SA-22s/SA-19 Grison type missiles with terminal guidance... a solid rocket booster that accelerates the missile to a high flight speed with a slim forward missile part that flys to the target with low drag and possibly a small sustainer rocket motor and in this case terminal guidance.

A laser homer version should be quite straight forward, so perhaps the IR model is an imaging IR version... perhaps there is a datalink autopilot to get the missile within range of the target before the terminal guidance takes over... that would require lock on after launch capability for the IR guidance model and with the laser homing model an autopilot to get the missile close to the target before it starts looking for targets.

An IR guided model that is fire and forget and able to find its own targets would be interesting... a ground vehicle with 40 tubes of these weapons could operate with a Pantsir air defence battery and stealth targets could be optically tracked and marked with a laser to shoot down with HERMES, or IIR missiles used to deal with a swarm attack.

Actually performance wise it looks more like something that looks like the AGM45 Shrike but going three times faster and has half the charge.

The only analogues in term of offensive capability are the Lahat/Nimrut on the Tamuz vehicle and the dead JCM program. But both having 40/45% of the speed. In any cases the Hermes is simply amazing. And if they can stuff it under 100KG Russian helicopters would have an universal threat against everything that could enter their offensive and defensive enveloppe.

Actually as I understand the article, Hermes have dual homing head in its nose with IR and laser channel. Laser channel will see target illuminated with laser designator, which could as well be from the geound and not necesary from helicopter and if there is no laser designation, than it will use its IR channel (most probably IIR). In development is also a version of Hermes with radar homing head.

Ka-52K helicopters manufactured by Russian Helicopters holding company (part of Rostec State Corporation) completed the first phase of testing in marine conditions. The machines are currently in the premises of Kamov Design Bureau where specialists finish assessing the condition of helicopters and their components after performing tasks in harsh climatic conditions.

Two Ka-52K helicopters were tested at sea during the period from late 2016 to early 2017.

Two Ka-52K helicopters were tested during the period from late 2016 to early 2017. After performing the tasks set by commanders the tests of helicopters were recognized successful. The machines have already been handed over to engineers of Kamov Design Bureau for conducting additional study of the work of a helicopter and its individual units, as well as for making changes considering possible requirements.

"Ka-52K helicopters completed the first phase of testing in marine conditions, after which it can be concluded that the machines may be placed on an aircraft cruiser and successfully complete their tasks. The helicopter has unique properties; however, one test in the sea is insufficient for understanding the work of its engines, units, avionics, control and armament systems in maritime climate. The design bureau will continue its work as part of tests including those on the aircraft cruiser," said Deputy CEO for Sales of Russian Helicopters holding Vladislav Savelyev.

The Ka-52K helicopter is another machine in the range of "maritime" helicopters developed by Kamov Design Bureau and adopted by the Russian Navy. This range also includes helicopters such as Ka-25, Ka-27, Ka-29 and Ka-31. The Ka-52K helicopter is designed for patrolling, providing fire support for airborne forces during landing, and ensuring counter-air defence on the front line and defence in depth. Modern onboard equipment will ensure navigation of a helicopter when there are no landmarks in the sea.

Unlike a basic model, the Ka-52K helicopter has a shorter folding wing which was redesigned to carry heavy weapons and the mechanism for folding blades which makes it possible to be compactly placed in the hold. A smaller size of Ka-52 shipborne helicopters makes it possible to increase the maximum number of helicopters which may be placed on a ship. An armored crew compartment and an ejection system allow pilots to safely leave a helicopter. Besides, the shipborne Ka-52 helicopter has a rescue apparatus making it possible to rescue seafarers in distress.

The use of corrosion-resistant materials is another important feature of Ka-52K, as the helicopter is to be operated in wet maritime climate. The helicopter has a single-point fueling system and an upgraded air conditioning system which ensures ventilation of immersion suits of crew members. Besides, the helicopter has a short-range radiotechnical navigation system which was not used by the basic model.

Signing of the contract for the delivery of decked-up helicopters Ka-52K is planned for 2019May 25, 2017 at 14:21 Topic: Industry

Holding "Helicopters of Russia" expects in 2019 to sign a contract with the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation for the supply of deck helicopters Ka-52K. About this on Thursday, May 25, said the general director of the holding Andrei Boginsky.

"This helicopter is present in the draft state armament program until 2025. We hope that we will conclude a contract in 2019," Tass quotes him.

In early May, Andrei Boginsky said that the serial production of shipborne Ka-52K "Katran" helicopters in the interests of the Russian Navy is planned to begin in 2020.

The Ka-52K tests were conducted during the cruise to the Mediterranean Sea of ​​the heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov in the fall and winter of 2016.

Ka-52K - deck modification Ka-52 "Alligator", originally developed specifically for the French amphibious assault ship "Mistral". The helicopter is equipped with two modernized VK-2500 engines with a capacity of 2400 horsepower each. In the bow is a two-seater cabin of pilots with the onboard complex of the equipment of new generation. The pilots' seats are equipped with catapults. One of the features of the deck version is the folding blades.

The deliveries to the Russian Defense Ministry will start right after the trials, the company said

MOSCOW, July 6. /TASS/. The tests for the Ka-52K shipborne helicopter will be completed before the end of 2019 and then the deliveries to the Defense Ministry will start, Russian Helicopters (part of Rostech) told TASS on Thursday.

"The helicopter trials are planned to be completed before the end of 2019. So, the deliveries to the Defense Ministry will start right after the trials," the company said.

In May, Russian Helicopters reported that the helicopter had successfully completed the first phase of testing. It was tested from late 2016 until early 2017.

Earlier, the company’s Director General Andrey Boginsky said that Russian Helicopters planned to sign a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry to deliver the Ka-52K helicopters in 2019. In his turn, Chief Designer of the Kamov Design Bureau Sergey Mikheev reported that the Ka-52K tests would be carried out during the next three years on board ships of four various types.

Compared to the land-based Ka-52, the Ka-52K has shorter folding wings which have been redesigned to carry heavy weapons and a blade-folding mechanism for stowage in the hold. Minimized dimensions of the KA-52K will allow more helicopters to be placed on board.

The armored helicopter cabin and the ejection system allow pilots to leave the aircraft safely. Besides, the shipborne Ka-52 has maritime rescue equipment to help those in distress.